Locked in the Room During an Allergy Attack Because I Couldn’t Speak Chapter 05

Locked in the Room During an Allergy Attack Because I Couldn’t Speak Chapter 05

He was stopped at the ward entrance by the nurse

“You need to sign in for visitation.”

I’m her boyfriend.”

The nurse checked the system.

“Your name isn’t on the patient’s visitor list.”

Slade’s face shifted.

“Check again.”

The nurse’s voice was flat. “You’re not listed as her emergency contact either.”

“The companion field is blank.”

He stood at the nurses‘ station. His knuckles pressed against the counter. His voice dropped.

“How is she supposed to go through treatment alone?”

The nurse looked at him.

“She’s been alone this whole time.”

Tansy followed him there.

She was wrapped in a scarf. Her eyes were red.

“Slade. My throat still hurts too.”

“But I still came with you. Tierney will see you like this. She’ll soften up.

Slade didn’t look at her.

“You can leave.”

Tansy’s expression froze.

He bought honey tea, a humidifier, and throat medication. He had the nurse bring them in.

The nurse brought them right back out.

“The patient said she doesn’t need them.”

Slade asked, “Did she say anything else?”

The nurse shook her head. “She can’t speak right now.”

The next day, I had my first vocal rehab session.

The doctor told me to start with a whisper.

I gripped the hem of my shirt. Tears burned from the pain. I still followed the doctor’s rhythm.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Slade stood outside the glass door.

I knew he was there. I didn’t look at him.

When the session ended, I held the wall and walked out.

He stepped forward. “Tierney.”

I stopped.

His voice was low.

“I watched the security footage at home.”

“I didn’t know that night you…”

I typed on my phone: [Please don’t interfere with my treatment.]

Slade stared at the words. His eyes slowly reddened.

Tansy stood behind him and spoke up.

“Tierney. You can’t do this to Slade.”

“He came all the way here for you. You won’t even give him an explanation?”

I looked at her.

She was wearing that face again. The one where she acted wronged for someone else.

That face used to trap me. Made it impossible to speak.

Now I actually couldn’t. It was almost a relief.

I typed (I don’t want to see either of you.]

Tansy’s face went white.

Slade’s throat moved. He looked like he wanted to say something.

I walked around them, toward my room.

The nurse caught up and handed me the rehab goal sheet.

“Write down a goal. It helps with motivation during training.”

I picked up the pen.

First line: [Get my voice back.]

Second line: [Tell him we’re done. Out loud. Myself,

Slade stood a short distance away. He saw it.

He moved to come closer.

The nurse blocked him.

“The patient needs rest.”

I handed the sheet back and closed the door to my room.

Before it shut, I saw him still standing there.

This time, I was the one who closed the door.